Ireland at that juncture were dreaming of a win inside three days, but resolute defence from Rehmat Shah (33*) and Mohammed Nabi (25*) ensured Afghanistan got through to the close without further damage - their sixth wicket stand currently worth 51.

Earlier in the day Ireland had lost Ed Joyce (78) in the first over but a fourth wicket stand of 81 between Niall O'Brien (87) and Andrew White (39) saw Ireland remain very much in the ascendancy.

White, John Anderson and John Mooney all fell cheaply as Mohammed Nabi (4-38) bowled superbly, but a breezy 47 in 43 balls from Kevin O'Brien (9 fours) and a pugnacious 31 from Trent Johnston in his final innings for Ireland ensured the lead went beyond the psychologically important 300 mark for a final total being 341.

Ireland will start day four as the strongest of favourites to complete a historic treble, however they will be keen to remove the ever dangerous Mohammed Nabi, who has proved such a ferocious competitor in the past.

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